Monthly Archives: January 2019

While you can’t magically change the dimensions of a small room, there are ways you can maximize your space and make a small room at least feel bigger. The square-footage may stay the same, but your attitude about where you live can drastically improve with just a few simple decorative tweaks.

Try one of these five tips to make a small space feel bigger — then sit back and enjoy your new “larger” room.

Get creative with paint

Painting your ceiling naturally draws the eyes upwards, which can make a small or low-ceiling room feel taller. Similarly, light-colored walls reflect the light and make a room feel more open. Opt for a shade of white, light grey, or light blue walls for a subtle, airy feel.

Utilize effective lighting

Overhead lighting that illuminates a room from the top down tends to give off a spotlight effect — even if it’s not immediately noticeable. By pooling all the light from one overhead source, you could be unknowingly minimizing your space. Instead, use smaller lamps around the room to bring light to every nook and cranny.

Buy furniture with exposed legs

It may sound silly, but furniture that you can see under — as opposed to a couch that is skirted or a coffee table that sits flat on the ground — creates a much more open, expansive feel to a room. As another tip, avoid putting your furniture flush with the wall. Evening pulling it out just a few inches can make a room feel less cramped.

Create an illusion with mirrors

Strategically placed mirrors reflect light and make a room seem instantly bigger. This is especially effective when a mirror is placed across from a window. Plus, framing a mirror adds elegance to any room, and the right size can even double as a statement piece.

Aim for bigger decorations — but fewer of them

An abundance of small decorations can make a room feel cluttered and stuffy. Instead, go for larger pieces that stand out and fill space, without making your style look too busy.

Next time you’re feeling crowded in your home, try one of the above adjustments and see what a difference it can make. You might be surprised.

There’s nothing quite like a little extra positivity in your life to make reaching your goals seem more possible. By placing inspirational sentiments where you can see them every day, you can find the motivation you need to make 2019 your best year yet. In fact, studies have found that writing down your goals and putting them somewhere you can see them significantly increases your chances of succeeding.

One place you’re sure to look? Your bathroom mirror. Using a dry erase marker or Post-It note, write an inspirational quote or goal on your mirror. Seeing it every day will be a great reminder of what your priorities are.

To help get your creative juices flowing, we’ve rounded up 10 inspiration quotes that provide the perfect sentiment for starting off the new year.

“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” – Oprah Winfrey

“Don’t surrender all your joy for an idea you used to have about yourself that isn’t true anymore.” – Cheryl Strayed

“Be messy and complicated and afraid — and show up anyway.” – Glennon Doyle

“If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it.” – Michael Jordan

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream.” – C.S. Lewis

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“You can choose courage or you can choose comfort. You cannot have both.” – Brené Brown

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton

“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” – Audre Lorde

“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward. “ – Martin Luther King, Jr.

What are you goals for 2019? Share your plans and a quote that inspires you in the comments section below.